Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 GMC Envoy lineup starts with the SLE, the straightforward utility trim with useful comfort features and solid towing ability. The SLT keeps that core formula but adds leather, heated front seats, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and Bose audio. The Denali is the premium model, pairing distinctive styling and richer cabin details with a more powerful V8 and greater towing capacity.
The Base Model trim level, sold as the SLE, is the straightforward Envoy built around SUV utility, cargo room, and towing ability.
Best for: Drivers who want the Envoy’s core capability with practical everyday comfort.
Highlights
The Mid-Level trim level, sold as the SLT, is the comfort-focused Envoy with a more upscale cabin and added convenience technology.
Best for: Drivers who want Envoy utility with leather, heated seats, and richer cabin features.
Highlights
Adds leather-appointed heated front seats, automatic climate control, Bose audio, Bluetooth, and steering-wheel controls over the SLE.
0 in stockThe Premium Luxury trim level, sold as the Denali, is the luxury-and-power Envoy with richer materials and distinctive exterior styling.
Best for: Drivers who want the most polished Envoy cabin, stronger performance, and added towing capacity.
Highlights
Adds a 5.3-liter V8 with 300 horsepower, up to 6,500 pounds of towing capacity, driver-seat memory, wood-and-leather trim, and Denali-specific styling over the SLT.
0 in stock| Feature | Mid-Level | Base Model | Premium Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | SLT0 in stock | SLE0 in stock | Denali0 in stock |
| Engine | 4.2-liter inline-six | 4.2-liter inline-six | 5.3-liter V8 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 285 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 276 lb-ft | 276 lb-ft | 321 lb-ft |
| Maximum towing capacity | 5,700 lb | 5,700 lb | 6,500 lb |
| Front seats | Heated leather-appointed | Cloth; power driver’s seat | Heated power leather; driver memory |
| Climate control | Dual-zone automatic | Dual-zone manual | Dual-zone automatic |
| Premium audio and Bluetooth | Bose audio and Bluetooth | — | Bose audio and Bluetooth |
| Distinctive trim details | Comfort-focused SLT cabin | Straightforward SLE design | Honeycomb grille; wood-and-leather trim |
In the final 2009 lineup, SLE is the utility-focused core trim, SLT adds comfort and cabin upgrades, and Denali brings V8 power, richer interior details, and distinctive exterior styling.
No. In the final lineup, the SLE already has a power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, dual-zone manual air conditioning, stability and traction control, trailering equipment, and a split-folding rear seat.
In the final lineup, the SLT adds heated leather-appointed front seats, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, Bose audio, steering-wheel controls, and rear audio controls. It keeps the SLE’s 4.2-liter inline-six.
In the final lineup, the Denali replaces the SLT’s inline-six with a 5.3-liter V8. It also adds driver-seat memory, wood-and-leather cabin details, a bright honeycomb grille, and unique front-end styling.
No. The Denali has unique exterior details, but it also brings a 5.3-liter V8, heated power front seats with driver memory, leather seating, Bose audio, and a wood-trimmed leather steering wheel.
Yes, in the final 2009 lineup. Both SLE and SLT use the 4.2-liter inline-six. The SLT’s main step up is added comfort, audio, climate, and convenience equipment rather than a different engine.
The Denali has the 5.3-liter V8 in the final lineup. The SLE and SLT use the 4.2-liter inline-six instead.
In the final lineup, the SLT and Denali have heated front seats. The SLE has a power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, but heated seating is not among its listed core features.
In the final 2009 lineup, Bluetooth phone connectivity and Bose premium audio are included on the SLT and Denali. They are not among the SLE’s listed core features.
No. In the final lineup, SLE, SLT, and Denali vehicles were each sold in 2WD and 4WD forms. Confirm the drivetrain on the individual used vehicle.
The SLE is the sensible fit. In the final lineup, it keeps the Envoy’s inline-six, trailering equipment, useful cargo layout, power driver seat, and stability control without the upper trims’ luxury extras.
The SLT is the fit. In the final lineup, it keeps the 4.2-liter inline-six while adding heated leather-appointed front seats, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, Bose audio, and steering-wheel controls.
Any final-lineup trim is worth considering because SLE, SLT, and Denali all include heavy-duty trailering equipment. Maximum ratings span 5,700 to 6,500 pounds, so verify the exact vehicle’s rating instead of relying only on the trim name.
Look for the Denali-specific bright honeycomb grille and unique front-end styling. Inside, the final-lineup Denali also has wood-and-leather details, including a wood-trimmed leather steering wheel.